We see in today’s passage text that the Pharisees desire and love the praise of men more than the praise of God. No one is able to please God by trying to make everybody happy. We must always take note that if we choose to please God, we cannot make everybody happy. Let us study some of the situations in the life of Jesus Christ as some examples in our lessons.

You cannot make everybody happy:

I- YOU COULD NOT PLEASE GOD AND MAKE YOUR FAMILY HAPPY AT THE SAME TIME

In the book of Luke, chapter 2 verses 48-49, as Mary and Joseph knew that the Lord Jesus did not travel with them after the Passover they were troubled, grieved with Jesus. However, Jesus strongly replied, “I must be about my Father’s business.” As a young at the age of 12 years old, Jesus Christ knew doing his Father’s business conflicted with the wishes of his mother and stepfather. Jesus could not please God and please them at the same time. Mostly, when you’re doing God’s will there is contrary to the will, wants, and wishes of your family. When this happens, it’s impossible for you to make your family happy and at the same time you please God.

II- YOU COULD NOT CHOOSE TO DEAL GOD’S PEOPLE AND MAKE YOUR FAMILY HAPPY

In the book of Matthew, chapter 12 verses 46-50, when Jesus was teaching his disciples, his mother and his brethren wanted to see him and the Lord Jesus without hesitation said, “whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” It means, Jesus prefer to deal those whom he was teaching instead of his family. There are times, we have to make a choice between family and our brethren in Christ. Expectedly, your love ones or family would not be happy when you choose the people of God rather than your family.

III- YOU COULD NOT GLORIFY GOD AND PLEASE DEAR FRIENDS AT THE SAME TIME

In the book of John, chapter 11 verses 3-4, 21, 32, when their brother Lazarus was sick Mary and Martha sent for Jesus to come. Jesus rejected their invitation and did not go which disappoint them. On the other hand in John 11:15, Jesus had a greater desire to give God the glory and purposely motivate his disciples to believe. Thus many did believe according to John 12:11. Here, we can see that Jesus chose not to please his dear friends Mary and Martha because Jesus wants to glorify God and add more believers. Jesus couldn’t glorify and please his dear friends at the same time. Jesus couldn’t please both of them.

IV- YOU COULD NOT MAKE SOMEONE HAPPY AND FULFILL GOD’S WILL AT THE SAME TIME

In the book of Matthew, chapter 16 verse 22 and chapter 26 verses 52-54, it seems Peter cares as he openly and boldly rebuked Jesus Christ about going to suffer at the cross. So in John 18:10 “Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.”, because Peter was determined not to allow Jesus die. Then in John 18:11, Jesus rebuked Peter “said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?” Then Jesus healed the servant (Luke 22:51) which made Peter mad. Jesus could not give whatever Peter desires and make him happy and at the same time fulfill His the will of His beloved Father. Likewise, we even cannot do that.

V- YOU COULD NOT PLEASE GOD AND RELIGIOUS PEOPLE AT THE SAME TIME

In the book of John, chapter 8 verses 54-55, we can see here the intense persecution, insult and ridicule of the religious crowd toward Jesus Christ. Instead of making lie and compromise with this religious people about his relationship with His heavenly Father, Jesus Christ boldly with conviction spoke the truth which make this religious crowd severely hate Him. Jesus would not allow himself to please this religious crowd at the same time please His father. Indeed, you can never please religious people and please your Father in heaven especially when it comes to witnessing and sharing gospel message. 

Conclusion: At the mount of Transfiguration, in Matthew 27:5, we can hear the voice of God the Father said about His Son, “in whom I am well pleased.” If you want to please the heavenly Father and give Him the glory then you must accept the reality that you could not please and couldn’t make everybody happy. Just focus in pleasing God as your main concern no matter what.